Top Dog 2018 was held Oct. 7 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 4:29 p.m. October 7, 2018
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Dogs put their best paw forward to be the 2018 Top Dog, and as Donte’s Den founder Marsha Panuce said at the event, "This is clearly a day for the dogs."
The 2018 Top Dog brunch for Donte's Den Foundation was hosted Oct. 7 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.Â
The morning started with a social brunch by Mattison's before starting the show. Models walked the runway with their dogs in fashions from local boutiques Evelyn & Arthur, L Boutique, Lotus, Martin Freeman, Panache'. However, the judges only judged the show based on the dog.Â
Four-month-old miniature Schnauzer named Rocco, owned by Terry McKee took home the 2018 Top Dog grand prize bragging rights and trophy.
Following the show, guests were able to enter their own dogs in a best kissing and best dressed contest.Â
Co-chairs Janet Walter with her dog, Buck, Ron Soto and Becky Sirigotis.
The "Top Dog 2018" award sits waiting to be presented to the top dog.
The Top Dog is voted on by a judges panel.
Dottie DeCarlo, owner of Woof Gang Bakery in Lakewood Ranch.
Donte’s Den founder Marsha Panuce, Ruth Merry and Didi Glickman
Brian Mariash and Ruth Merry
Ian and Melissa Howard with their dogs Teddy and Buffy
Bob Keir with Luca
The painting "Henry" by Xima Hulings was part of the silent auction.
Ariel was one of the dogs who walked in the fashion show.
Puppy takes a break from begging for lunch to pose for a photo.
Amy Tuten, Karen Cadou and Carol Bourbeau
Mini bottles of prosecco sat on the tables.
For a donation, guests could take home the centerpieces from Woof Gang Bakery.
Izzie Radford and Georgina Clamage
Henry and Leslie Hall
While the program goes on, Donte's Den dog handlers watch guests' dogs.
Jameson
Buckeye sticks out his tongue on the runway.
Sandy and Zoey won Top Dog for the first round.
Sir Blake the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel looks out over his kingdom.
Goose the Sheepadoodle won Top Dog in the second round.
Goose gets his ribbon pinned on by judge Gayle Guynup.
Sarah walks the runway in a design from L. Boutique with her dog Flash.
Tuna the English Bulldog sports a lobster costume.
Tuna gets her ribbon on for winning the round.
Brian Mariash poses for a photo with Ruth Merry's dog Jake.
Brian Mariash and Jake pose with Jake's award.
Ruth Merry smiles after receiving a special award from Donte's Den Foundation.
Wendy Rossiter holds 4-month-old Rocco, owned by Terry McKee, who won the overall Top Dog 2018.
